Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, closed out its three-day 2010 Convention on November 13 when more than 400 of its agents boarded the Celebrity Eclipse for a two-night sailing from Miami. The theme for this year’s convention centered on “C.H.A.N.G.E” to help agents learn how to adapt to the ever-changing travel industry. Agents attended training, educational courses and peer-to-peer breakout sessions intended to lead agents toward a successful 2011 season.
“From day one of convention we knew our franchise owners were seeking more than just the upgrades we introduced to help them increase sales and client base. They were searching for the knowledge and tools necessary to face this upcoming selling season with assurance and confidence,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners/American Express. ”We are so proud of the dedication and energy displayed by our agents during our days together, and our home office team is looking forward to introducing new strategies, techniques and programs based on the positive feedback we received from our home-based agents.”
Big announcements made this year featured upgrades to eREZSM, Cruise Planners’ exclusive web-based customer relations management tool, which will soon be powered with live cabin availability, itineraries and exclusive Cruise Planners pricing in line with a direct connection to their print-on-demand marketing portal, CPpod. In addition, Cruise Planners University (CPU), an online learning tool integrating select cruise line and tour company universities with Cruise Planners’ core training modules, is welcoming its first senior class for a whole new curriculum of education and training courses. Creating a buzz this year was the announcement launching Cruise Planners’ 2011 CP Cares program partnering with the Wyland Foundation to help support its water preservation programs and clean water initiatives with funding throughout the year.
On the final day of convention, Cruise Planners handed out awards to its top selling agents: Nancy Bogert was presented with the award for Top Producing Agent of the Year; Virginia DeDad was given the award for Top Luxury Sales Agent of the Year, and Patty Fee Miller was given the award for Top Selling Agent for River Cruises. Cruise Planners revealed the location for its 2011 Convention at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos Islands.
About Cruise Planners/American Express
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Representative, is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 700 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur magazine for the past seven years, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovating marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include Royal Caribbean International Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 - 2009); Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer (2009); and American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 - 2009). For more general information, please visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
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